2008 County predictions

[Collyisamackem]

Durham really should win it, as long as we learn to play spin better and can get a settled opening partnership going, i.e. Stoneman produces consistent runs. That said, Coetzer is beginning to really shine and could possibly open, though I like the idea of him at 3. We should have a home grown talent at 3 as it's the most batting position and overseas pros will come and go, chop and change as we have this year with three of them. Anyway, I expect Mustard to up his game with the bat and hope Ben Harmison or Gordon Muchall can, but Muchall has been ridiculously inconsistent for years. Will Smith can't get above 30 opening, so maybe he's a middle order option? Here's the team I'd play, and surprisingly the batting looks the most solid I've seen it for a long time:

Di Venuto
Stoneman
Coetzer
Chanderpaul/McKenzie
Collingwood
*Benkenstein
+Mustard
Plunkett
Harmison/Wiseman
Davies
Onions

With Smith, Ben Harmison, Garry Park and Muchall as batting backups, and Goddard as the backup keeper (if I've got his name right!). Of our home batsmen, only Colly will be away for substantial parts of the summer and Mustard will probably not figure in tests without a consistent season of four-day runs behind him.

And a one-day/Twenty20 side to suggest:

Mustard+
Di Venuto
Coetzer
Benkenstein*
Collingwood
Breese
Muchall
Plunkett
Harmison
Davies/Wiseman (I'm not sure Davies' lack of pace is good for Twenty20, but I'd have him in the one-day games and taking the pace off with two spinners would be effective.
Onions

[feverpitch]

These should be of interest:

Division One predictions
Division Two predictions

Sussex, Lancs or Yorkshire to win for me, Other thoughts?

[south beds mikey]

Blimey!! Hope the Div 2 prediction is correct

Really looking forward to seeing how Finn goes.

[feverpitch]

Glad you like 'em. There's a full Middlesex preview too for you!

[south beds mikey]

I've just seen it, very good and thanks. Also glad to see a link to WAT on there.

[feverpitch]

I didn't write either of the pieces myself, but glad you liked 'em.

Be intrigued to see how Lancs fare back at The Oval...hit the ground running and they'll fancy their chances.

[Notts Exile]

I'll predict we see more non-English players in the CC this season! It's looking quite ridiculous and I see Somerset have signed yet another thirty-something Saffer to play for them. (I'm so glad Notts won the CC in 2005 with NO Kolpak players!!).

[greg]

It is a farce but sadly nobody is breaking any rules and it will continue to happen.It will not help either South Africa or England at international level in the longterm which is a shame.

[south beds mikey]

Nomal service resumed for my boys. Only two bright spots; the excellent prospect Finn seems to be off to a good start and Shah has runs (as usual). Mind you Bopara has some for Essex I understand so even if one of England's top six legs fall off Ace will be carrying the drinks again

[Tyler]

Northants, given the boost of Van der Wath and Hall, now have a bowling attack. We don't really have a cat in hell's chance of doing anything in the LVCC but if we can beat Leics on Saturday i fancy us in the FPT. I want us to get out of the basement in Pro40 aswell